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Chiesa Exit Could Make Room for Liverpool’s New-Look Attack

Liverpool’s summer rebuild continues to gather pace with wide-reaching implications. As confirmed by Fichajes, Real Betis are keen to sign Italian winger Federico Chiesa on loan, a move that could mark the end of his short-lived Liverpool career.

“The Italian winger, who failed to establish himself at Liverpool, is now in the sights of the Betis, who see him as a market opportunity to strengthen their attack,” states the report.

Manuel Pellegrini, Betis’ manager, is said to have given the green light for a loan move, believing the Euro 2020 winner would fit his attacking system. With Betis qualifying for the Europa League and finishing as Conference League runners-up, they are seeking a replacement for Antony, who will return to Manchester United. Chiesa could become their primary target for the right wing.

Photo: IMAGO

Chiesa’s Anfield Struggles Raise Exit Questions

Chiesa arrived at Liverpool last summer from Juventus for £12.5 million. Although he ends the season as a Premier League winner, his contribution was negligible.

He featured in just six league matches, totalling a mere 104 minutes, and failed to impress in his few appearances in cup competitions.

Back in January, reports surfaced that Chiesa could leave Merseyside early, and those rumours have intensified as Liverpool’s new project under Arne Slot gathers momentum.

Attack Overhaul Already Underway

The 2024-25 title winners are not resting. Sporting director Richard Hughes and head coach Arne Slot are aiming to reshape the front line.

A marquee signing is already confirmed, with Bayer Leverkusen’s Florian Wirtz arriving in a deal that could reach £116 million. The 22-year-old will be central to Liverpool’s creative output in the seasons ahead.

But that’s not the end of the business. A new number nine is on the wish list, with both Darwin Nunez and Diogo Jota potentially making way.

Photo: IMAGO

Sales will be key to funding this transformation. As Fichajes states, “Sales – including Nunez and Jota – will help furnish incomings like Wirtz and potentially a new striker.”

Luis Diaz is attracting attention from Barcelona and Saudi Arabian clubs, while young winger Ben Doak could fetch a decent fee from another Premier League side. The winds of change are sweeping through the Liverpool forward line.

Loan Deal or Permanent Exit?

While Real Betis favour a loan move, Liverpool may be less inclined to allow Chiesa to leave temporarily. He remains under contract until 2028 and is earning £120,000 per week — a high wage for a player with such limited involvement.

The club must weigh the benefits of sending him out to rediscover form against the need to offload a sizeable salary and create room for new arrivals.

At 27, Chiesa still has time to turn his career around, but with opportunities limited at Anfield, a fresh start could serve both parties well.

Our View – Anfield Index Analysis

This story underlines how ruthless Liverpool’s rebuild is shaping up to be. Federico Chiesa came with promise, but his lack of rhythm, fitness, or simply chemistry with the side has made him surplus to requirements. The stats speak volumes — six league appearances and just 104 minutes — that’s nowhere near enough to be considered part of a title-winning core.

Liverpool fans appreciate graft, and Chiesa simply didn’t get enough chances to show it. However, patience runs short at clubs aiming to stay at the top.

Real Betis could offer him the ideal reset, but fans will be hoping it’s more than just a free development opportunity for another club. If Liverpool do sanction a loan, it should come with a strong option or obligation to buy. The club must be smart in how they trim the wage bill, especially with big investments like Wirtz already incoming and a new number nine expected.

Slot’s first title-winning season has bought him time and trust, but turning that into a sustainable dynasty requires efficient squad management. Chiesa’s potential departure is just one step in that wider evolution.